Info 101: At the movies 168: House of Ghosts-an eerie thriller

The newest film by local director/producer/writer Christopher R. Mihm has a flaw which is not shared by any recent Hollywood production. It’s too good. This opinion can be twisted sideways to mean it’s not cheesy enough for someone whose reputation is built on cheesiness. “House of Ghosts” is intended to be a tribute to the films of Willim Castle (“The House on Haunted Hill”). It is that and more, featuring the talents of several local actors with whom Mihm has worked in previous films.

In keeping with an established ‘NO SPOILERS’ policy, the film’s outline will be very basic. Isaac (Mark Scanlan) and Leigh (Sid Korpi) are a wealthy couple who delight in throwing parties for their circle of friends. On this particular evening, they have contracted a spiritual medium (Andrew Wilkins). Although this idea is scoffed at, the medium proceeds to open a portal to the afterworld. He warns his audience that there is no way to control who-or what-comes through. His departure is almost heralded by the arrival of a massive winter storm that prevents anyone from leaving the house.

Things take a severe left turn from there as the guests are forced to confront their own demons and mortality. This is where Mihm’s true talent as a director takes over. He has worked with most of these actors so often he doesn’t have to direct so much as guide. More than any other film, Mihm allows the action to dictate the story and the cast to dictate the action. This allows the audience to feel like they’re watching it live and in person.

That is the essencer of what makes this film “too good”. Mihm stays faithful to all of his signatures–a personal appearance, a “Star Wars” reference, backward hints to his previous films and music that is integral to the storyline. Time cannot move quickly enough toward next Memorial Day and the release of his next project-“The Giant Spider”. “House of Ghosts” can be purchased on DVD at www.sainteuphoria.com.